1. O friend, who has not forgotten me
As long as you exist, you see me near you

2. And if I’m absent from you for a moment
You hasten to return, remembering me

3. How strange is your aloofness and indifference!
After such love, can one forget a companion?

4. So many promises, of which you kept but some
And the rest, you blamed on forgetfulness

5. I absolve you of intending any coldness
For coldness severs even bosom friends

6. Is there any link between Urqoub and you?
You are far from lies and false accusations

7. Words without action—if only you never
Swore them strongly, and caused more pain

8. So guard your tongue, if slain by it, it kills
And beware, your steed stumbles over rocks

9. Spur the steed of resolve I rode far
Or head for the next station of the courier

10. Don’t you know of my solitude and need
For you, O finest of friends, always?

11. When you come, none could be a better guest
And none I’d rather see, but one—

12. A sleepy-eyed youth, of languid grace
With smooth cheeks and sparkling eyes

13. Ruddy cheeks and tan complexion
Seducing modesty with his charm

14. His hips make him sit, clutching his waist
The strong act upon the frail and weak

15. And who hasn’t been swayed by passion’s hand?
Verily, passion tilts even walls!

16. That’s you! Length you added to your stride
Advancing far in the arena

17. Becoming in love’s knowledge versatile
Following old men with boys

18. No race you leave, not one remains
Neither Muslim nor Christian safe

19. The Jews are the first of your prey
Many times bitten on their cheeks

20. And worse, approving only of people
Except for women, them you shun

21. If bearded, you claim them ascetic
The shaven are but young lads

22. When need presses, O excellent
All have faults and forms

23. Fine pretences! Maybe like a dancer
Who danced freely without clothes

24. We said: If this be the truth
Excuse is the ugliest part of a sinner

25. But my intent in what I have said
Is that you are set against me

26. Cloistered in your lair, busy
With new friends, not brothers

27. Traveler, if he asks of me, convey
Greetings and describe my yearning

28. If you will, tell him something of my case
Perhaps he’ll ask about estrangement

29. More can be said, but let that suffice
He’ll turn the matter yet again

30. For he’s free to accept or refuse
Reconciliation is best for both parties